Doctoral Student in Engineering - Vocal Fold Biomechanics Research

About the Division

The Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, focuses on diagnosing, treating, and researching disorders affecting communication such as voice, language, speech, swallowing, and pediatric hearing. Their mission includes advancing knowledge of underlying physiological and biomechanical mechanisms, developing new diagnostic tools and therapies across all ages through both clinical and foundational research.

Project Overview

The interdisciplinary research project titled “From Structure to Sound” aims to elucidate how the extracellular matrix (ECM) makeup of vocal fold tissue influences its biomechanical behavior, vibration characteristics, and acoustic output. This project integrates clinical voice research with ex-vivo larynx experiments, detailed tissue analysis at molecular and histological levels, cutting-edge high-speed imaging, aerodynamic and acoustic measurements, along with optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based biomechanical assessments. The ultimate goal is to deepen mechanistic understanding that can lead to enhanced precision diagnostics and minimally invasive ECM-targeted treatments for voice disorders.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine experimental protocols to selectively modify ECM components in isolated vocal fold tissues.
• Conduct and advance ex-vivo phonation studies to assess how changes in tissue structure impact vocal fold vibrations and voice outcomes.
• Support structural and molecular analyses to verify ECM alterations and correlate tissue composition with biomechanical and functional results.
• Collect, process, and analyze multimodal datasets including high-speed video, acoustic recordings, airflow, subglottal pressure, and tissue analysis findings.
• Participate in collaborative measurement campaigns combining ex-vivo phonation with OCT-based biomechanical evaluations.
• Perform statistical data analysis to uncover links between ECM composition, viscoelastic properties, vocal fold dynamics, and audio signals.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, contribute to conferences, and maintain project documentation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Medical Engineering, Chemical/Biological Engineering, Molecular Sciences, Life Science Engineering, or related field.
• Keen interest in experimental biomedical research, particularly soft tissue biomechanics and voice physiology.
• Prior hands-on experience with biological tissue, ex-vivo models, imaging techniques, biomechanical testing, or integrated measurement setups preferred.
• Basic competencies in signal and image processing; familiarity with MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, R, or similar tools is advantageous.
• Interest or experience in histological, immunohistochemical, or molecular biological tissue analyses is beneficial though not mandatory.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams encompassing engineering, medical, biological, and clinical experts.
• Strong organizational abilities, meticulous documentation skills, and readiness to manage complex experimental workflows.
• Proficient written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus but not required.

Employment Conditions and Benefits

• Secure employment under a public service tariff contract including additional pension benefits through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL).
• Engaging responsibilities within a motivated and open-minded team environment.
• Comprehensive and qualified onboarding process.
• Broad initiatives supporting employee health and wellbeing.
• Position classified according to TV-L scale, contingent on qualifications and personal circumstances.
• Full-time position with potential for part-time work arrangements.

Working at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen

Universitätsklinikum Erlangen ranks among Germany's top hospitals and is one of the largest employers in the Middle Franconia region, employing over 10,000 qualified staff in diverse roles. The institution values each employee's contribution to providing state-of-the-art medicine, outstanding research, and exceptional patient care. Individuals seeking meaningful work with high social impact and engagement in advanced medical fields will find an excellent fit here.

Additional Information

Information regarding vaccination requirements and the employer's role in healthcare is provided. Interested applicants are encouraged to consider how well their aspirations align with the hospital's mission and values before applying.